Down And Dirty Tortilla Soup
A hearty, flavorful tortilla soup with tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting meal that suits family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the onion, garlic, cumin, crushed tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- You can leave the chicken whole or cut it into pieces.
- Cook on low heat for several hours or on the stove for a quicker meal.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken into the soup by stirring.
- Chop or cut the cilantro, setting aside stems for garnish.
- About 20 minutes before serving, heat the tortilla chips at 225°F until crispy.
- Serve the hot soup topped with shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.
- Garnish with diced cilantro stems and serve with warm tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the crock pot. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the raw chicken breasts. Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes based on your preference. Fresh lime juice can also enhance the flavor of the soup before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with shredded Monterrey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro stems for a fresh touch. This soup pairs beautifully with warm tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple salad or some Mexican-style rice. For an extra kick, top with avocado slices or jalapeños.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent splatter. The flavors will develop even more after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Down And Dirty Tortilla Soup contains roughly 946 calories, with 43g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (904% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (145% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1162mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tortilla soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add beans like black or pinto for protein and extra heartiness. You can also include additional vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the heat level, you can add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes. Additionally, incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking will enhance the spiciness. Remember to adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve your desired heat level.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 6-8 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then remove the skins and chop them before adding to the soup. This will provide a fresh taste, although the cooking time may vary slightly compared to canned tomatoes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).